Recently, Vladimir Putin said something about Americans thinking that we are exceptional.

The founding fathers of this country strove for exceptional values that would make the country great. Americans believe that all men, regardless of race, creed, or religion, are equal.

We have passed laws that make that phrase have meaning. We enforce these laws!

We are not perfect, by any means. We set the bar high and try to get everyone to see that view point.

If there is anything that sets America apart, it’s that we fought a very long and bitter civil war over this premise. Young men on both sides fought and died.

It was truly a test for America when the rest of the world watched.

Americans have died in two world wars. My grandfather fought in World War I, and my own father fought in World War II.

Like many baby boomers in this country, I also served in the military. Whatis clear is that Americans are willing to fight for allied countries and make the ultimate sacrifice for our allies.

Nothing underscores this more than Americans’ sacrifices made in World War II against Germany and Japan. America came to the aid of almost every country in the world to prevent a real Axis of Evil from dominating the world.

What a different world it might have been!

Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is a terrible form of government.” I would have to agree with that.

Democracy is and always will be a work in progress.

Sometimes, Americans have been misled by those who lead the country. But the remarkable thing is that if you choose to disagree with the government, you won’t be arrested for it.

Americans believe in free speech. Americans have stood up and said things like “No more war.”

Mankind is now at a point in history where we must come together, not as geographic entities, but as one. We must make the most of the United Nations and enforce laws that protect all of mankind.

Crimes against mankind must be recognized for what they are and dealt with judiciously, ensuring that mankind will have a better future.